Skip to main content

Advertiser Directory

Estate Planning & Wills

Legal & Financial — Protect your assets and plan ahead

Other subcategories in Legal & Financial

About Estate Planning & Wills

Legal & Financial — Protect your assets and plan ahead

Read more about Estate Planning & Wills

The right documents, prepared before they are needed, prevent most family crises. The wrong ones, or none at all, can mean court, delay and expense at the worst possible moment.

The documents that matter most. A will or trust, a durable power of attorney for finances, a medical power of attorney, and an advance directive. Without a power of attorney in place before capacity is lost, families frequently have no option but guardianship proceedings — public, slow and costly.

Will or trust? A will directs what happens after death and generally goes through probate. A trust can avoid probate and manage assets if you become incapacitated, but costs more to set up and must actually be funded to work. Which fits depends on your assets, your state and your family.

Questions worth asking. Do you focus on elder law and estate planning specifically? What is included, and is it a flat fee? Will you help fund the trust, not just draft it? How often should this be reviewed? What happens to my documents if you retire?

Common Questions

Do I need a will or a trust?

Most people need a will; some also benefit from a trust. A will directs who inherits and names guardians; a trust can avoid probate and control how assets pass over time. Which you need depends on your assets and goals — a good attorney tells you honestly rather than selling the more expensive option by default.

What happens if I die without a will in Texas?

State "intestacy" law decides who inherits, which may not match your wishes, and the process runs through probate court. Naming your own choices in a will keeps the decision yours.

What's a power of attorney, and do I need one?

It names someone to act for you — financially or medically — if you're unable to. It's one of the most important documents for seniors, because it prevents a court from having to appoint someone.

How much does an estate plan cost?

Many attorneys offer flat-fee packages for a will, powers of attorney, and directives. Ask upfront whether you're quoted flat or hourly, and what's included.

Providers in Estate Planning & Wills

← Back to Legal & Financial
← Back to all categories

Every business listed in the Silver Streak directory is background-checked and verified before approval. Inclusion is not an endorsement of any specific provider, and nothing on this page replaces advice from your own physician, attorney, accountant, or licensed professional.